Proven performance in real environments
Equipment designed to offer maximum thermal comfort and protection in demanding conditions. Efficient solutions that optimize productivity and guarantee a safe and cool work environment.
What is PCM and why does it work better than ice?
PCM stands for Phase Change Material. It is a substance that, when changing from solid to liquid, absorbs a huge amount of heat from the environment without its own temperature changing. This is the same physical principle by which ice keeps your drink cold: as it melts, it absorbs heat but remains at 0°C.
The key difference compared to conventional ice is the operating temperature. Ice works at 0°C or less, which can be uncomfortable, even harmful with prolonged skin contact. Blizzcool’s PCM plates are calibrated to 18°C: cold enough to significantly reduce body temperature, yet safe enough to wear against the body for hours on end.
Furthermore, new generation PCMs—like the one incorporated in PC01 plates—are made from bio-based, biodegradable, and non-flammable materials, unlike traditional paraffin PCMs, which are combustible and obsolete in work applications. This makes them suitable for environments with heat sources, flames, or flammable materials, where other cooling systems would be directly ruled out.
How Blizzcool's PC01 pack works
The PC01 pack includes 4 PCM cooling plates at 18°C ready to be inserted into the pockets of compatible cooling vests. The usual distribution is two plates in the chest area and two in the lumbar area, covering the main body heat generation cores.
Activation: three methods depending on your conditions
Freezer (recommended method): 45 minutes at freezing temperature. It is the fastest and guarantees the highest performance from the start.
Refrigerator: between 60 and 90 minutes at less than 18°C. Ideal for activating the plates the night before a demanding day, without needing to wake up early.
Ice water: submerge the plates until they are completely solid. This is the field method, useful when there is no access to electrical refrigeration at the worksite.
Once solid, the plates are ready. They are inserted into the vest pockets, and cooling begins immediately. When they return to a liquid state—a sign that they have absorbed all the heat they could—simply cool them again. They have no limit on usage cycles.
Maintenance: clean with a damp cloth and neutral soap. Do not machine wash. Store in a dry place away from prolonged heat sources.
When PCM plates are the only viable solution
Evaporative vests are excellent in many contexts, but there are situations where they simply don’t work. PCM plates are designed precisely for these scenarios:
Working under protective clothing. Fire-resistant suits, CBRN suits, welding gear, chemical clothing: any garment that insulates the body from the outside blocks the airflow an evaporative vest needs. PCM plates work just as well under as over any garment.
Environments with high humidity. In cold rooms, the food industry, or coastal areas with high humidity, the evaporative effect is greatly reduced. PCM does not depend on humidity: it always works.
Unventilated indoor spaces. Warehouses, industrial buildings, ovens, or machine rooms where air does not circulate. PCM absorbs body heat directly, without needing airflow.
Environments with radiant heat sources. Foundries, steel mills, industrial bakeries, or work near ovens: ambient temperature can be so high that a wet vest would dry out in minutes. PCM plates maintain their operating temperature regardless of external heat.
Compatibility and use as replacement
PC01 plates are the native cooling inserts for Blizzcool’s BW01 and BW02 vests, ensuring optimal fit and system performance.
They also work as a direct replacement in other market vests with pockets for equivalent-sized PCM inserts. If you have a vest from another brand and have lost or damaged its original plates, PC01s can be an immediate solution without needing to purchase a new vest. Consult us for measurements before placing your order if you are unsure about compatibility.
Quick guide: PCM plates or evaporative vest?
A common question when starting to work with personal cooling is whether it is better to invest in an evaporative system or a PCM plate system. The answer depends on the environment:
Choose evaporative if: you work outdoors with good ventilation, do not wear protective clothing over it, prioritize duration (up to 8 hours per activation) over thermal precision, and are looking for the most economical entry-level system.
Choose PCM plates if: you work indoors or under protective clothing, in humid or unventilated environments, need a constant and predictable temperature, work near flames or flammable materials, or simply want a completely dry system that doesn’t get anything wet.
Both systems are compatible: many professionals use a PCM vest for peak heat hours and an evaporative system for the rest of the day.
Frequently asked questions about PCM cooling plates
How long do PC01 plates remain active?
Between 2 and 4 hours depending on ambient temperature and physical activity intensity. The higher the external temperature and greater the effort, the faster they absorb heat and the sooner they need to be reactivated.
Can they be reactivated during the workday?
Yes. If you have access to a freezer or refrigerator at the worksite, you can carry a second set of activated plates and alternate them, achieving continuous cooling throughout the day without interruptions.
Are PC01 plates safe in environments with fire or flammable materials?
Yes. The PCM material they incorporate is bio-based and non-flammable, unlike traditional paraffin PCMs. They are suitable for welding, foundries, and other environments with ignition risk.
What is the practical difference between 18°C and 21°C or 24°C plates?
18°C plates offer a greater sensation of cold and are indicated for intense physical work or extreme heat. Higher temperature plates (21-24°C) provide a milder sensation, suitable for lower intensity activities or people more sensitive to cold. Blizzcool’s PC01s operate at 18°C, the most widespread standard in work applications.
What happens if the plates heat up and return to a liquid state during work?
They simply gradually lose their cooling effect, without any risk. When they are completely liquid, remove them, cool them again, and they will be ready for the next cycle. There is no risk of breakage, leakage, or deterioration due to an incomplete cycle.
